I. ˈpräpə(r)d.]ē, -)t], ]i, in rapid -R speech sometimes -pt] noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English proprete, from Middle French propreté, proprieté, from Latin proprietat-, proprietas, from proprie- (from proprius own, particular) + -tat-, -tas -ty
1.
a. : a quality or trait belonging to a person or thing ; especially : a quality peculiar to an individual person or thing
the eye has this strange property : it rests only in beauty — Virginia Woolf
b. : an effect that a material object or substance has on another object or on one or more of the senses of an observer
the properties of the objects of nature do not signify … anything proper to the particular objects in and for themselves, but always a relation to a second object (including our sense organs) — H.L.F. von Helmholtz
alkaline properties of ammonia
optical properties of a mineral
c. : special power or capability : virtue
health resort … popular because of the healing properties attributed to the water of its spring — American Guide Series: Maryland
rhythm is a property of words — C.H.Rickword
d.
(1) : an attribute, characteristic, or distinguishing mark common to all members of a class or species
protein molecules … have the extraordinary property of being able to reproduce themselves — Gerald Piel
— called also essential property
(2) Aristotelian logic : an attribute that is common and peculiar to a species but not a part of its essence nor contained in its definition : proprium — called also nonessential property ; compare predicable
2.
a. : something that is or may be owned or possessed : wealth , goods ; specifically : a piece of real estate
the house … surrounded by the property — G.G.Weigend
b. : the exclusive right to possess, enjoy, and dispose of a thing : a valuable right or interest primarily a source or element of wealth : ownership
all individual property is … a form of monopoly — Edward Jenks
c. : something to which a person has a legal title : an estate in tangible assets (as lands, goods, money) or intangible rights (as copyrights, patents) in which or to which a person has a right protected by law
3. obsolete : propriety , fitness
4.
a. : any article or object used in a play or motion picture except painted scenery and actors' costumes
b. obsolete : a means to an end : tool
impossible I should love thee, but as a property — Shakespeare
Synonyms: see quality
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
1. obsolete : to make a tool of : exploit
2. obsolete : appropriate
III. noun
1. : one (as a performer) who is under contract and whose work is especially valuable
2. : a book or script purchased for publication or production